PROTESTS against a controversial trade deal between the EU and the USA will take place across the region tomorrow (Saturday, October 11).

Campaigners say the TTIP deal would expose the NHS to competition from American healthcare firms and allow multinationals to sue the government if British laws dent their profits.

Members of the 38 Degrees campaign will gather in Durham Market Place, Sunderland Market Square and around Newcastle’s Grey’s Monument at 11am to voice their concerns and demand the region’s MEPs take action.

More than 180,000 people have signed the 38 Degrees petition against the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).

David Babbs, executive director at 38 Degrees, said: “People in the North-East will be standing with thousands of people across the country to say that we love our NHS too much to let it be sold off to the highest bidder.

“It’s time for MEPs to answer our concerns and explain exactly what they’re going to do to stop this.”

Supporters of TTIP say it could be the world’s biggest trade deal, creating many new jobs and boosting the EU economy by around £94bn.

The EU finally published its priorities for the talks this week, having previously kept them secret.

The 38 Degrees petition is online at ttipaction.38degrees.org.uk